Tag: Edinburgh Dungeons

“I work at one of the UK’s top Halloween attractions – here’s how we prepare for spooky season”

  • The Dungeons share insights into Halloween prep at one of the UK’s top October destinations
  • The attraction performs over 1,000 Halloween shows each year
  • Visitors to The Dungeons increases by 98% during Halloween season

The Edinburgh Dungeon, renowned for bringing scare-seeking guests the most terrifying tales from the past, has revealed how the attraction prepares for its busiest time of the year.

Lyndsay Hebert, Performance Manager at The Edinburgh Dungeon, has been perfecting the art of fear for over two decades. With 23 years of experience at the attraction, Halloween is her favourite time of year. 

For her, it’s not just about costumes and decorations—it’s about blending history, creativity, and horror to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Lyndsay reveals that preparations for Halloween begin as early as January. Edinburgh, known as one of Europe’s most haunted cities, provides the perfect backdrop, with its ghost stories and local legends offering endless inspiration. Lyndsay takes pride in the city’s dark history, saying, “There’s always a new chilling tale to tell.

“The concept might evolve, but starting early ensures we deliver the best experience,” she explains. With over 50 performances on peak days and more than 1,000 over the Halloween season, the entire team works tirelessly to create a terrifying experience every time.

The actors are key to The Dungeon’s success, with quick costume and makeup changes happening throughout the day. Each performer begins with a base of scars, cuts, and bruises, adding more layers as they switch roles.

“The messier the hair, the better,” Lyndsay says. Hair and makeup touch-ups are ongoing to maintain authenticity, and it’s the actors’ relentless energy that brings The Dungeon to life.

“There’s nothing a Dungeon actor loves more than hearing the screams of the audience—you know you’ve done your job well!” Lyndsay enthuses.

Behind the scenes, the work is just as intense as what happens onstage. “There’s never a dull day in The Dungeon!” she exclaims. “The actors move quickly, switching costumes, makeup, and characters every hour.”

This year’s Halloween event, Halloween: The Monster of Glamis, runs from 12th October to 3rd November. Guests will explore the eerie passageways of Glamis Castle, where a monstrous presence awaits.

What starts as an innocent birthday celebration for the Laird’s youngest family member quickly turns into a nightmare as guests confront the terrifying Monster of Glamis and the chilling Room of Skulls, filled with ominous whispers from the past.

For those brave enough to enter, The Edinburgh Dungeon promises a Halloween experience like no other. With fresh stories, immersive settings, and a dedicated team ready to create the ultimate fright, visitors are in for a hauntingly good time!

Will you survive the Monster of Glamis and escape the Room of Skulls?

Pre-book now, or for more information, visit the Edinburgh Dungeon’s website: 

https://www.thedungeons.com/edinburgh/whats-inside/events/monster-of-glamis/.

Edinburgh attraction gets Taylor Swift make-over to celebrate Eras Tour

THE DUNGEONS LAUNCHES £13 TICKETS TO CELEBRATE TAYLOR SWIFT’S EDINBURGH CONCERTS

  • Swifties can claim £13 tickets to celebrate the Eras Tour ‘shaking’ off in Scotland
  • The Edinburgh Dungeon ‘Jailer’ will be donning their best sequined outfit as they transform into “Jailer Swift” for the weekend, complete with Dungeon-inspired ‘fiendship’ bracelets to swap with guests

Is meeting Taylor Swift one of your Wildest Dreams? Whether you’ve missed out on The Eras Tour tickets or you’re about to shake it off with the pop princess herself, hold tight as Edinburgh Dungeon’s ‘Jailer Swift’ is donning their sequins to welcome Swifties to the City.

For one weekend only, Swifties can visit The Edinburgh Dungeon with Jailer Swift’s £13 tickets! The number 13 has been a firm favourite with the enchanted songstress with 13 being Taylor’s lucky number, her birthdate, her first album went gold in 13 weeks and she even celebrated turning 13 on Friday the 13th, a date that’s also a firm favourite in the depths of the dungeon!

In the words of Taylor herself: “Darling she’s a nightmare dressed like a daydream!”

The Edinburgh Dungeon is renowned for giving guests an immersive journey through Edinburgh’s darker eras (way further than 1989), so guests will need to brace themselves for the infamous tales inside. Taylor might’ve said “you wouldn’t last an hour in the asylum where they raised me” but are you brave enough to survive The Dungeons?

Forget The Tortured Poets Department… fans can experience the attraction’s spine-chilling Torture Chamber, as well as nine further immersive shows throughout the attraction. Plus, you’ll get the chance to be greeted by The Dungeon’s very own “Jailer Swift” and trade a selection of Dungeon-inspired ‘fiendship’ bracelets.

Visitors who want to enter their Edinburgh Dungeon era with £13 tickets can visit on 8th and 9th June. Tickets are available for a limited time only. So be sure to leave a Blank Space in your diary and book your visit in advance.

Lee Phillips, General Manager at The Edinburgh Dungeon, said: “Whether you missed out on Eras Tour tickets, or you’ll be seeing the real thing live in person, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to enter your Edinburgh Dungeon era and have the chance to greet our very own Jailer Swift – who will be welcoming visitors whilst donned in sparkles and Dungeon-inspired ‘fiendship’ bracelets.

“We knew you were trouble Taylor, but our Jailer is even worse!

“Jailor Swift’s £13 tickets are available for a limited time only, plus with fiendship bracelets that guests can swap there’s something for every Swiftie to love or loathe!”

For further information and to book a visit to The Edinburgh Dungeon, please visit the website here: 

https://www.thedungeons.com/edinburgh/whats-inside/events/jailor-swift/

Edinburgh Dungeons launches most haunted Halloween show yet

The Home of Halloween, the Edinburgh Dungeons, is inviting guests to witness its new spine-tingling show, ‘The Death Cell’.

Running from 7th October until Halloween, the limited-time show transports guests back 100 years to October 1923, when the last prisoner was hung in Edinburgh’s notorious Calton Jail.

Traitors will immerse themselves in some of the most horrifying history as they delve into the dark and dreary past of the imposing fortress, with some of the worst conditions ever encountered in prisons. But beware, as the bodies of ten souls, which were left to rot under the foundations of the building, are still buried under the stones to this day!

Peasants can expect blood-curling frights, eerie occurrences and spectacular special effects as the stories of these fateful souls who haunt the prison walls play out in front of their eyes.

The Edinburgh Dungeons is renowned for taking guests deep into the depths of Edinburgh’s local history, and this spine-tingling show is set to provide another fearsome fright!

Simon Beattie, General Manager at The Edinburgh Dungeons, said: “The Dungeons are known as being the home of Halloween and this year is no different. We’re offering our most haunting show yet with The Death Cell.

“Traitors who dare to visit the Dungeons during Halloween will need nerves of steel as they are transported to Edinburgh’s eerie Calton Jail to face the wrath of the ten trapped souls.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming peasants to this devilishly dark experience, whether or not they make it out is yet to be decided!”

For further information and to book a visit to The Edinburgh Dungeons and watch The Death Cell, please visit the website here: 

https://www.thedungeons.com/edinburgh/whats-inside/events/the-death-cell/

The National Lottery ‘Days Out’ offers up to £25 off top attractions and experiences

  • The National Lottery is inspiring the nation to have fun days out this autumn, by offering money off hundreds of attractions and experiences across the UK 
  • £8 million worth of ‘Days Out’ vouchers will be available from 8th October granting National Lottery players up to £25 off tickets to participating venues on the VisitBritain Shop  

To inspire the nation to have more fun this autumn, The National Lottery is helping to fund great days out at hundreds of attractions and experiences across the UK by offering vouchers that can be used to claim up to £25 off entry.  

From 8th October, anyone with a valid Lotto ticket can claim a £25 voucher* for use at participating venues. Whether it’s an adrenaline-filled day or one full of mindful moments, there’s something for everyone, including country parks, medieval castles, aquariums, walking tours and much more. 

Venues and attractions from all corners of the UK are participating in The National Lottery Days Out promotion, acollaboration with VisitBritain to help support domestic tourism this autumn, including highlights in Scotland:  

  • Animal lovers can visit the Highland Wildlife Park located in the heart of the Cairngorm National Park, learn about the 1,000 endangered and threatened species that live at Edinburgh Zoo or catch a glimpse of the only Cow Nose Rays in Scotland at SEA LIFE Loch Lomond.  
  • For a historical experience, discover the childhood residence of Mary, Queen of Scots, Stirling Castle.  
  • For an insight into the gruesome history of Edinburgh, venture inside the Edinburgh Dungeons to learn more about Agnes Finney, the city’s witch. 

Every week National Lottery players raise more than £30 million for Good Causes and this funding has supported 94 of the top 100 most visited tourist attractions in the UK** including Stonehenge, Eden Project, Kew Gardens, Tower of London, ZSL London Zoo, Giants Causeway and Bletchley Park.  

Tourism Minister Nigel Huddleston said: “The fantastic National Lottery Days Out Scheme is part of our plan to help our brilliant tourism sector to build back better from the challenges of the pandemic.

“There is so much to see and do throughout the year across the whole of the UK. I encourage all National Lottery players to see what’s on offer and get out there and have some great days out at top attractions.”

VisitBritain CEO Sally Balcombe said: “VisitBritain is very pleased to be supporting The National Lottery Days Out campaign to encourage more of us to get out and discover the fantastic visitor attractions and experiences here on our doorstep and enjoy a great day out with family and friends.” 

Redemption: To get £25 off fun days out with The National Lottery this Autumn, National Lottery players should visit www.NationalLotteryDaysOut.com to get one of hundreds of thousands of vouchers available.

The promotion is open to players with Lotto tickets bought on or after 1st October 2021*.   

The money for this initiative comes from a National Lottery promotional fund. It is not being funded by money allocated for National Lottery Good Causes or by Camelot.